Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pediatric Spinal Deformity

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been extensively used for the treatment of adult spinal disorders, including degenerative, trauma, and deformity. More recently, MIS techniques have been applied for the treatment of pediatric spine deformity. Several features of the pediatric spine allow for the natural application of MIS techniques. These include its greater inherent flexibility and tendency to form robust fusion. MIS techniques have been used at the top of long constructs to minimize junctional kyphosis, in treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and for growing rods to minimize spine auto fusion. As in adult patients, these patients sustain less blood loss and shorter hospital stays. However, the surgical procedures are longer with extensive fluoroscopy, particularly in the early stages of the learning curve. Future prospective studies will clarify the true benefits of MIS techniques versus open in the treatment of pediatric spine deformity.